An 8:15 departure by bus brings us to Mizen Head at 10:30. The bikes are brought separately in the van. It’s looking like a really nice day.
It’s 11:30 before we get started as a group, so we’re going to have a late finish today. For the first hour or so it’s fairly flat with gentle rolling hills and a strong tailwind.
Many of the roads have reflectors to help drivers see better at night, but they’re a real hazard for a bike. I have to pay close attention to avoid hitting them.
After 55 km the rain starts coming down in buckets. It continues for the next 10 km and we all get a thorough soaking.
The second half of the day has three long climbs. They’re not terribly steep but they seem to go on and on. The scenery is an excellent distraction as the mileage adds up. After each descent we come to a small town. There are definitely more places to stop on this tour as opposed to last year’s ride in the Highlands.
At 119 km while on a fast descent, I suddenly come upon a hairpin turn that I’m not ready for. I leave quite a skid mark on the road and end up in the bushes. Amazingly my tires seem alright. A little balder than usual, but otherwise fine.
I arrive at Castle Lodge at 6:50 and a little later I go to a Thai place with John, Geoffrey and Marco. We all much prefer to leave early and finish early, which we’ll get to do from now on I hope.
Lynn's Bike Ride 
Nice work! Sounds like a great start and good recovery on the hairpin turn. Beautiful photos. Enjoy the ride and stay safe on day 2!
Thanks! Today felt a bit rushed because of when we started. It would’ve been nice to take longer breaks along the way. It was great to have a tailwind though.
So thankful you’re ok! It could have been much worse! We continue praying for you! Love your pictures and write ups! Stay safe!
Yes it could’ve been much worse had it been a stone wall or wire fence instead of bushes. I’ll be more careful from now on.
Beautiful pictures. Now that is a skid mark. Thankful you have good brakes. Take care. Sleep well.
Thanks Wendy, it was certainly a close call. I have to pay closer attention to those turns. I expect we’ll have lots more twisty roads to come.
Quite a day , praying for safety
Thanks Holly!
Get those sheep out of here this is bicycle country! Good luck, please stay safe-er!
Thanks, I’ll do my best to keep the rubber side down!
Beautiful pictures and an exciting ride for the first day! Glad you and your bike were ok after the hairpin. Enjoy the days ahead 😊
Thanks Linsie, it was a long day but so scenic as well! You and I definitely share an appreciation for photography.
That was an exciting beginning- you’ve officially left your “mark” on the Isle of green. Glad you recovered and that bush caught you!
Hi Lynn, Doing the following route in June. Are the roads OK to ride with 25mm tyres?
9th – Day 1 – Mizen Head to Killarney – 74 miles
10th – Day 2 – Killarney to Ennistymon – 80 miles
11th – Day 3 – Ennistymon to Leenaun – 85 miles
12th – Day 4 – Leenaun to Sligo – 80 miles
13th -Day 5 – Sligo to Letterkenny – 80 miles
14th – Day 6 – Letterkenny to Coleraine – 87 miles
15th – Day 7– Coleraine to Antrim – 55 miles
Hi Chris, you should be just fine with that size. That’s what I had (my bike doesn’t allow for anything larger) and I wasn’t the only one in the group riding 25mm. I certainly wouldn’t go any smaller than that, given how rough the roads are in some places. Have a great time!!